Waitrose became the first UK retailer to meet their commitment across all own-brand chicken categories, (including fresh, frozen, processed and ingredient) ahead of the 2026 deadline. This was supported by their new labelling scheme, offering consumers clearer information on animal welfare.

In this ChickenTrack iteration, stocking density is the most improved criterion among the UK companies assessed (67.8% average in 2025 vs 38.1% in 2024). Marks & Spencer reached 100% compliance on stocking density across all own brand categories (improving by 69 percentage points), while Greggs also improved by 35 percentage points to reach reaching 100% compliance. Premier Foods started reporting by criterion (as opposed to overall) and reached 83% progress on stocking density while Pret A Manger UK, added to ChickenTrack this year, reported 100% compliance on all criteria but breed and third-party auditing to BCC compliance. Though not in ChickenTrack yet, Domino’s Pizza Group committed to transition to BCC chicken by 2032.

Since Sainsbury’s move in 2023 to a 30kg/m² maximum stocking density, a further seven UK supermarkets have followed suit, meaning eight out of the twelve major UK supermarkets have now taken this step for their fresh chicken. Their continued influence and ambition will be equally crucial in accelerating progress on breed transition in the years ahead.

Disappointingly, Prezzo (UK) withdrew their BCC commitment since the last Chicken Track iteration. More recently, a further eight UK companies (owning or franchising 18 hospitality brands) also stepped away from their commitment and instead joined the UK Hospitality Sustainable Chicken Forum (SCF). Six of these brands/companies are included in ChickenTrack 2025: Burger King UK, KFC UK, Nando’s, Pizza Hut UK, The Big Table, The Restaurant Group. The SCF, by explicitly excluding breed change from its remit, fundamentally undermines its stated ambition to advance chicken welfare. Read the statement on food service companies dropping their Better Chicken Commitment. We urge those companies to reinstate their BCC commitments and include breed change as a core part of their chicken supply. 

As the 2026 deadline approaches, we are seeking clear, accurate progress reporting and credible roadmaps where company transition plans extend beyond 2026. We encourage engagement through the Better Chicken Business Network (BCBN) to support delivery on commitments, and we remain committed to supporting realistic welfare goals through clear timelines and actionable plans.